LDS Conference Notebook

Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints gathered Saturday at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City for the church's 182nd Semiannual General Conference. The following are excerpts from the messages by church leaders.

Saturday morning

? President Thomas S. Monson announced the construction of two new temples in Tucson, Ariz., and Arequipa, Peru. The Tucson temple will be the sixth in Arizona. Monson said "no church-built facility is more important than a temple."

? Elder Quentin L. Cook, of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles, spoke of increased unrighteousness in the world and apathy among Latter-day Saints. "The need for civility in society has never been more important," he said. "The foundation of kindness and civility begins in our homes."

? Sister Ann M. Dibb, Monson's daughter and a member of the church's Young Women General Presidency, encouraged her listeners to live the principles of the church and to confidently declare, "I'm a Mormon. I know it. I live it. I love it."

? President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, second counselor in the First Presidency, spoke of regrets and resolutions. "Let us resolve, therefore, to follow the Savior and work with diligence to become the person we were designed to be," he said.

Saturday afternoon

? St. George native Elder Steven E. Snow was sustained by church members as the new church historian and recorder. Snow follows Elder Marlin K. Jensen, who was released from his calling as historian/recorder and became an emeritus general authority at the conference.

? Elder L. Tom Perry, of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles, talked about the important role parents have of teaching their children. "In clever and carefully camouflaged ways, (Satan) is attacking commitment to family life throughout the world, and undermining the culture and covenants of faithful Latter-day Saints."

? Elder M. Russell Ballard, of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles, used a honeybee analogy to encourage Latter-day Saints to serve others. "What would be the cumulative effect of millions of small, compassionate acts performed daily by us because of our heartfelt Christian love for others?" he asked.

? Elder Larry Echo Hawk, of the First Quorum of the Seventy and former U.S. assistant secretary of the interior for Indian affairs, talked about his belief in the Book of Mormon, calling it "sacred scripture." "It contains the fullness of the everlasting gospel," he said.

? Elder Neil L. Anderson, of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles, spoke of trials of faith. "Like the intense fire that transforms iron into steel, as we remain faithful during the fiery trials of our faith, we are spiritually refined and strengthened," he said.

? Elder Dallin H. Oaks, of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles, talked about protecting children. "We are all under the Savior's command to love and care for each other, and especially for the weak and defenseless," he said.

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

Email this article

LDS Conference Notebook

Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints gathered Saturday at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City for the church's 182nd Semiannual General Conference. The following are